Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay in Cedar Falls, IA: $41.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a speech-language pathologist working in Cedar Falls, IA runs $41.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,081 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1127). Weighted against Cedar Falls's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,652 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cedar Falls, Iowa, the projected median hourly pay for speech-language pathologists is $41.39, which is notably lower than the national median of $48.93. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this translates to a potentially stable income while balancing work with other commitments. Per-diem workers in various settings such as school therapy rooms, clinics, and telepractice sessions can expect to earn between $26.04 and $53.70 per hour, reflecting a range that accommodates entry-level positions to experienced top earners. This hourly rate, derived from annual salary data, gives a clear picture of the earning landscape for speech-language pathologists in the area, recognizing the varying demands and opportunities available in Cedar Falls.
About the Cedar Falls Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.04 | $208.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.59 | $276.70 |
| Median (P50) | $41.39 | $331.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.18 | $377.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.70 | $429.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cedar Falls
Based on $41.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.39/hr, a speech-language pathologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cedar Falls, IA can expect to earn approximately $86,087 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,666. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cedar Falls.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cedar Falls
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,655.52 | $7,174 | $86,087 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $993.31 | $4,304 | $51,652 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $662.21 | $2,870 | $34,435 |
Compare SLP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Speech-Language Pathologist (Cedar Falls) | $41.39 |
| Audiologist (National Avg) | $43.50 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| School / Educational Counselor (National Avg) | $30.85 |
| Special Education Teacher (National Avg) | $31.40 |
Speech-Language Pathologists in Cedar Falls, IA earn a median of $86,081 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.42% lower than the national median of $101,775 and 1.60% above the Iowa state average of $84,725.
Speech-Language Pathologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.39/hr = $51,652/year (purchasing power: $57,137).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,087/year (purchasing power: $95,229).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$32.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Speech-Language Pathologists in Cedar Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.04/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for speech-language pathologists in Cedar Falls grew 23.7% from $32.18/hr (2019) to $39.80/hr (2025). At a 3.99% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.04/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem speech-language pathologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cedar Falls metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.99% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Speech-Language Pathologist in Cedar Falls
Considering the annual income implications, a speech-language pathologist working part-time at $41.39 per hour for 24 hours a week would take home about $51,641 annually, significantly less than a full-time counterpart. However, per-diem and contract work provide financial flexibility, with rates ranging from $40 to $110 per hour depending on the setting and specialization. Specifically, rates for medical SLPs, especially those focused on dysphagia in clinical environments, can greatly exceed the regional average. The hourly pay varies across employer types in Cedar Falls, reflecting the market dynamics of school districts, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and private practices. SLPs may have to weigh the trade-offs of stable employment with benefits against opportunities that offer higher hourly rates but lack job security or insurance. Those negotiating hourly pay should consider emphasizing their unique skill sets and experience while being open to the specific demands of the local job market, as it may shift based on regional needs and employment trends.
More salary data for Cedar Falls, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 8 years of experience in speech-language pathology. He specializes in pediatric language disorders. He works in a community health clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.99% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for speech-language pathologists in Cedar Falls. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cedar Falls is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.99%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for speech-language pathologists (SOC 29-1127).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP, a licensed speech-language pathologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov